Charity

The pupils at St John’s work hard to involve themselves in local charities and continually raise funds for a number of organisations across the country.

Each academic year pupils, staff and friends of the School organise fundraising events for the different charities supported by the ten houses. The main School Charity is the St John’s School Community Holiday, a week-long residential holiday for 20 children with a range of special needs aged between 10 and 18. Sixth Form pupils at St John’s volunteer 24 hours a day during the week to provide each child with one-to-one care and attention, involving games, stories and activities.

The first holiday took place in 2014. Many pupils have subsequently returned to volunteer again and new helpers join each year as well. Once a child has a place on the St John’s School Community Holiday, he or she is entitled to a place every year until they reach the age of 18, unless their needs outgrow our ability to care for them. As a result, the holidaymakers are able to foster friendships with other young people and gain independence and confidence year by year.

Taking place at St John’s School and making use of the School’s boarding houses, the holiday allows parents and carers a week of much-needed respite safe in the knowledge that their children are being fully cared for, supported and having a fantastic time.

Parental feedback has been very supportive and appreciative with comments such as: “I feel very humble that my daughter was invited, she had an amazing time. It was very well run and I as a parent had every confidence in the staff and pupils running it. As a parent of a disabled child it allowed me to have a week to think about myself and to be able to relax, so thank you so much.”

Pupils are now raising funds for the fifth St John’s School Community Holiday, which is due to take place in August 2018. Throughout the year, a number of fundraising activities and events take place. This year, these will include a fundraising dinner and a sponsored walk. If you would like to support any of these events or would like further information please contact Neil Whitmore.